manners . For instance , can the importance , influence and magnitude of network-connection or networkaffiliation , concerning such things as value , price and / or wage determinations be scientifically measured ? For Marx , the answer is a resounding no . As he states ,
if we have a function which , although in and for itself unproductive , is nevertheless a necessary moment of reproduction … this does not change the character of the function itself . [ This function ] should … be considered as a machine that reduces the expenditure of useless energy , or helps to set free production time . [ Thus , it is ] a necessary function , because the reproduction process itself includes unproductive functions …[ that ] create neither value nor products .[ 14 ]
The sharp line of demarcation that Marx draws between productive and unproductive functions , is founded on a strict guideline . Only those functions that are directly involved in the production process at the level of the assembly-line and / or the division of labor , directly producing products according to the parameters of socially necessary labor-time , are productive functions , occupied in directly producing value and surplus value . By Marx ’ s definition , these functions exercise labor-power as only labor-power , directly subjected to the parameters of socially necessary labor-time , can produce value . On the other hand , all those functions that reduce the expenditure of useless energy , facilitate circulation , production and distribution that are not necessarily involved in the production process at the level of the assemblyline and / or the division of labor , directly producing products , are , according to Marx , unproductive . By Marx ’ s definition , these functions do not create value and surplus value , despite the fact they are crucial in facilitating the amelioration , the realization and the development of the capitalist modes of production , consumption and distribution .
Notwithstanding , contrary to Marx , these unproductive functions exercise a form of labor-power ; despite the fact that this form of labor-power is , according to Marx , unproductive . Moreover , these unproductive functions ameliorate , facilitate and accelerate capitalist reproduction , thus contrary to Marx ’ s definition , they are in fact productive , productive in facilitating , ameliorating and perfecting capitalist reproduction . They add value to the system by perfecting the system and due to Marx ’ s strict adherence to a narrow definition of value , Marx is forced to categorize these functions as unproductive because these functions cannot be scientifically measured . In fact , these unproductive functions comprise creative-power in action , which contrary to Marx , are productive , as only productive functions can ameliorate , facilitate and accelerate capitalist reproduction . These so-called unproductive functions may be slightly removed from direct capitalist production and the parameters of socially necessary labor-time . Nevertheless , they are intimately involved in the structure , the movement , the processes , the developments and the realizations of capital across the stratums of capitalist production , circulation and distribution in the sense that these unproductive functions exercise creative-power in the amelioration , facilitation and perfection of capitalism . Unproductive functions , to use Marx ’ s terminology , are invaluable and priceless for the maintenance and growth of the capitalist-system ; capitalism cannot do with them , hence their undeniable and unquantifiable value . In fact , capitalism goes to great lengths to absorb the creative-power inherent in unproductive functions . For example , the whole travel industry and entertainment industry is hardwired to absorb unproductivity and leisure-time as essential unquantifiable values , central to the maintenance and growth of the capitalist modes of production , consumption and distribution .
The value that creative-power generates is not necessarily scientifically quantifiable , but it is nonetheless the value that sustains , maintains , normalizes , revolutionizes , refines and expands the processes of capitalism , it is value that , although , un-quantifiable , fuels the logic of capitalism stationed at the center of capitalist production , consumption and distribution . These unproductive functions exercising creative-power in a multitude of socio-economic sectors , refine , improve and advance the systems and